In this week’s round-up:
- Union health ministry hosts first BRICS Health Working Group Meeting 2026
- Will the Iran war push BRICS efforts for a common currency?
- ORF, RIS launch inaugural BRICS Academic Forum to strengthen policy dialogue, global cooperation
- BRICS and Gulf AI reshape mobility and accessibility
Putin to attend BRICS summit in India, Kremlin confirms
Russian President Vladimir Putin will “definitely” take part in the BRICS summit in India later this year, TASS news agency reported, citing Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.
Beyond oil: Global food crisis emerging from Hormuz
The Iran War is triggering ripple effects far beyond energy prices. Global food systems, heavily dependent on fertilizers and shipping routes, are now under strain. Brazil, for one, faces heightened vulnerability despite its agricultural strength. BRICS itself is emerging as a potential critical geopolitical actor.
BRICS and Gulf AI reshape mobility and accessibility
Egypt leads Africa in AI competitiveness, securing the 47th global rank among 93 countries in the Global AI Index. This position is largely due to its robust institutional planning, exemplified by its early adoption of a comprehensive national AI strategy.
Will the Iran War push BRICS efforts for a common currency?
The war has heightened volatility in global energy and financial markets, prompting BRICS members to explore alternatives to the dollar for cross-border transactions, especially in energy trade, where pricing and settlement have historically been dollar-centric.
ORF, RIS launch inaugural BRICS Academic Forum to strengthen policy dialogue, global cooperation
Observer Research Foundation (ORF), in partnership with Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), hosted the inaugural convening of the BRICS Academic Forum on April 17 and April 18 in New Delhi.
Union health ministry hosts first BRICS Health Working Group Meeting 2026
The meeting, held virtually, brought together senior health officials, technical experts, and delegates from BRICS member countries to deliberate on priority areas of cooperation in public health.
